Chapter 27

In Trystan’s bedchamber, Evie examines the sparse room and discovers his tornado-shaped nightlight, aided by Kingsley’s sign. Trystan tries to regain control of his focus, reminding himself that his larger purpose is revenge against Benedict, finding Nura Sage, and fulfilling the prophecy, but Evie’s presence badly unsettles him.

As Evie lays out her mother’s letters on Trystan’s desk, the firelight makes her nightgown transparent. Trystan panics, covers Evie with a blanket, and then applies the animated stardust to the letters while Evie eats the food Edwin made for her.

The stardust spreads over the letters, causing the room and table to shake. Trystan pulls Evie to the floor and shields her as a spark and explosion destroy the table. Instead of burning the letters, the magic transforms them into a glass map of Rennedawn, with a five-pointed star marking the place Trystan believes they must seek.

Blade bursts in after hearing the crash and misreads the scene, teasing Trystan and Evie about being together in Trystan’s room. After Trystan threatens him, Blade explains that he was checking on the pregnant female guvre, but the protective male guvre prevents close observation. Blade estimates the let could arrive anywhere from two weeks to six months away.

Trystan unexpectedly softens toward Blade’s anxious sincerity and tells him to continue searching rather than replacing him. After Blade leaves, Trystan tells Evie that the marked location is Heart Village and that they will depart at week’s end because Trystan has other matters to investigate first.

Once Evie leaves laughing, Trystan finds the cleaned scarf Evie gave him when they first met. The memory stirs feelings Trystan tries to suppress, and Trystan reasserts that his only goal is to destroy Benedict, no matter who or what stands in his way.